Eroni Sau

Sau failed his Head Injury Assessment (HIA) and will be rested for a game according to World Rugby’s HIA protocols.

Sau was injured in the match against the Reds on Sunday.

Fijian Drua coach Mick Byrne said the ‘Sledgehammer’ will return to the country.

“In protocols around the game, he needs to stand down for a game. He is good, doing well, no serious adverse effects but obviously not passing HIA just means he has to stand down. He’ll head back to Fiji and recover back there and we’ll pick him up when we get there after the Highlanders weekend.”

Head Coach Mick Byrne confirmed that Sau is in the country and they’ll let him settle down first.

The Drua will name its side to take on Moana Pasifika on Saturday.

Byrne is expected to name Olympic gold medalist Iosefo Masi in the starting 15.

Other players, who are sure starters include Teti Tela, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Isoa Nasilasila, Ratu Rotuisolia, Kalaveti Ravouvou and Frank Lomani.

The Drua will play its first match against Moana Pasifika at 3:35pm (Fiji Time) on Saturday at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland.

Sau is expected to join the Drua this week but is unlikely to make the match day 23 squad for the opening match against Moana Pasifika in New Zealand on Saturday.

Sau featured for the Drua in the National Rugby Championship in 2017.

The Drua was also interested in France-based winger and former Fiji Warriors and national Under 20 rep Epeli Momo,however, they’ve opted for Sau.

Another player who is part of the Drua development squad and Nadroga winger, Taniela Rakuro, may get a fulltime contract after Habosi’s departure.

The former sevens star was sent off in the 25th minute in Cardiff for a dangerous tackle on Johnny Williams.

The Flying Fijians were leading 13-7 at the time but also conceded two yellow cards and eventually lost the match 38-23.

Sau appeared before an independent judicial committee via video link and accepted he made direct contact to the head of his opponent but denied that he had commited an act of foul play, arguing his red card was not justified.